Growing A Legacy
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Jason Bailey examines a cluster of grapes nearing harvest at the Timothy Community Garden on County Road 103. The garden recently added a new high-tunnel greenhouse as part of ongoing efforts to expand food production and educational opportunities for local residents.
WATER VALLEY – A community garden established in memory of a Water Valley child who died nearly 30 years ago is continuing to grow with the addition of a new high-tunnel greenhouse designed to extend the growing season and expand educational opportunities.
Workers recently completed installation of the structure at the Timothy Community Garden on County Road 103, where project founder Jason Bailey hopes to create a long-term community resource focused on gardening, food production and youth education.
Bailey, a Water Valley native, Air Force veteran and founder of the nonprofit organization Vets For Youth, launched the project in 2024 in memory of his childhood friend Timothy Holmes, who drowned in nearby Susie Perry Creek in 1996 at age 11.
Caleb Dysinger, left, and Nathan Ware (center) put the finishing touches on a new high-tunnel greenhouse at the community garden. They work full-time at Bountiful Blessings Farm near Nashville.
“Timothy didn’t get to reach adulthood,” Bailey said. “This is dedicated to the community for growing food, teaching youth and empowering them for the future.”
The garden occupies approximately 2.5 acres and currently includes about 25 raised beds, irrigation systems and open growing areas. Bailey said the new high tunnel, sometimes called a hoop house, will allow volunteers to start plants earlier, extend harvest seasons and grow crops during colder weather.
“We started with raised beds, and now we’re adding the greenhouse so we can do more propagation and year-round growing,” Bailey said.
The project has received assistance from several sources. Bailey said the high tunnel was made possible through USDA assistance, while raised beds and irrigation equipment were supported through Volunteer Mississippi grants and volunteer labor.
The garden operates using organic growing practices and serves as a demonstration site for residents interested in learning how to grow their own food.
“We’re open to teaching anybody who wants to learn,” Bailey said. “If someone wants to learn how to build raised beds, install irrigation or grow food, we’re willing to help.”
Bailey said his interest in gardening began with his grandfather, Charles Ragland, who maintained a large garden and supplied produce locally for many years.
After spending years living and working outside the area, Bailey said he felt called to return home and invest in the community.
“People ask me why I wanted to move back to Water Valley,” Bailey said. “If not me, then who?”
The long-term vision extends beyond gardening. Bailey said plans include a walking trail, recreation areas, a playground and additional community programming. He hopes to eventually establish the site as a community resource serving residents throughout Yalobusha County.
To help guide the project’s future, Bailey is working to build an advisory committee.
“It’s going to take a team,” Bailey said. “The goal is to create something that will be here for the community long after we’re gone.”
Volunteers interested in supporting the project or serving on the advisory committee can learn more through Vets For Youth’s website, vetsforyouth.com.
